CD Reviews

Herrmann Thunders!

John Dziadecki | Louisville, CO USA | 07/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Drumbeats, horns and then strings. Over the top massive brass and percussion pound out a visceral march. And that's just the beginning. This Herrmann score feels different from his others. But then, Herrmann always brings something different to his scores. Perhaps this one is more strident because it depicts war. The score ranges from loud and bold to calm and tender.

The original film goes heavily into history and character. German and Croat-language video and DVD releases contain the original Vladmir Krause Ratjeric score. The original film, however, was esviscerated for international release. Almost half the original release of the film ended up on the cutting room floor. The original score score was discarded and Herrmann called in to score the "international" release.

What can I compare it to? Well, to Herrmann on steroids. Although it does have its quieter passages, this strikes me as a big, brash score. Recommended."